Social is a far cry from the tatty pub it replaced. Despite some near-cliché hip elements—yet another Hemingway drinking quote on the wall—this 118-seat dinner destination surprises with sophisticated cooking behind a menu deep with enticing dishes. When pressed for a category, Jeffrey Boullt, the executive chef who has lived and worked in several states, settles for Progressive American with Southern influences.

Event Calendars

O.C. abounds with restaurants eager to pamper couples looking for a special night out. Katherine Nguyen offers seven suggestions for date-night destinations, from casual Kettlebar to sumptuous Studio at the Montage.

More Life in O.C.

Just across the freeway from downtown San Juan Capistrano, Marbella Plaza offers top-notch restaurants and an upscale boutique, each with a distinct style and vibe, away from the hustle and bustle of the historic district.

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Best of 2010 81-101

81 Vintage Shop Like “Mad Men” set decorator Amy Wells, we’re big fans of Fullerton’s Out of Vogue, where you’ll quickly discover the difference between this place and second-hand shops. From rotary telephones to Dansk kitchenware, every item in this treasure-trove has a vintage pedigree. 109 E. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, 714-879-6647, outofvogue.com.

92 Place to Catch a TrainWith two historical depots and 52 Metrolink and Amtrak trains—including the storied Southwest Chief and Surfliner—rumbling in each day, Fullerton Station is jammed with commuters. A dozen restaurants and nightclubs around the tracks mean there’s plenty to do while you wait for the horn in the distance. 120 E. Santa Fe Ave., Fullerton, trainweb.com/fullerton/index.html.

93 Bookworm Hole for Budding AuthorsBuy a bestseller at Laguna Beach Books, then start your own project at its creative-writing workshop. This bookstore is an inspiring spot with author appearances, book clubs, and open-mic nights. 1200 S. Coast Highway, 949-494-4779, lagunabeachbooks.com.

94 Spot to Relive Rancho DaysOrange County’s oldest city, San Juan Capistrano, is a haven from the distractions of the digital present, a picturesque place that drifts along at a slower pace. Besides the famous mission, many early 19th century buildings remain in use along Camino Capistrano and Los Rios Street. Take a walking tour or enjoy a margarita in a 150-year-old adobe. sanjuancapistrano.org.

96 Discount Tickets to Eclectic EventsLooking for a good time and a good deal? Point your browser to Goldstar, where tickets are usually half price. Goldstar partners include the Angels, Orange County Performing Arts Center, South Coast Repertory, and the Coach House. Users should be thrifty and spontaneous: Tickets are usually only available up to a month—and sometimes just days—in advance. goldstar.com.97 Hole-in-One Challenge (Downsized)Camelot’s five 18-hole courses in Anaheim are, hands-down, the best maintained miniature golf courses, but the sixth hole on the No. 1 course at Fountain Valley’s Boomers! is the toughest. Teeing off at the 33-yard, par-3 monster, players must drive up an incline, bank around a block, and take a 135-degree right turn down a ramp to the hole, which is guarded nearly all the way around by a metal ring. Even Tiger would break a sweat. 16800 Magnolia St., Fountain Valley, 714-842-1111, boomersparks.com.

98 Cookie for the IndecisiveWith mini candy-coated chocolate pieces and chocolate chips in a vanilla backdrop, the 75-cent Carnival at The Scoop on Cookies combines two favorites in one cookie. Buy three for $2 or have a couple made into a sandwich with Dreyer’s ice cream for $2.50. The shop also sells hard-to-find sodas and candy. 126 Main St. #102, Huntington Beach, 714-960-0400, thescooponcookies.com.

99 All-Around BeachSurfing? Fire rings? Volleyball? Check. Whether you Rollerblade, cycle, or jog, head for Huntington Beach’s miles of paved paths, or let your pooch romp on the only dog beach in the county. Downtown’s nightlife and its rep as the Rodeo Drive of surf shops attract hot bodies, from beach bunnies to bodybuilders and hipsters with wild tats and piercings. The people-watching is otherworldly. surfcityusa.com.

100 Girly Stationery Store Shop for stylish wedding and party invitations, thank-you notes, Christmas cards, or desk stationery at Sugar Press. It also carries seasonal items, such as filigree cupcake holders, candles, and gifts. Follow the store on Twitter@sugar_press for the latest offerings, including Champagne and cupcakes on Saturday for brides-to-be. Sugar Press, 13011 Newport Ave. #103, Tustin, 714-730-5500, sugar-press.com.

101 Major-League Fireworks There’s no better place than Angel Stadium of Anaheim. The shows are spectacular from any seat, but the best vantage point is in the nosebleeds, where you can almost reach up and grab the sparks. July displays take to the air on Big Bang Fridays (2, 16, and 30), and, of course, on the Fourth. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, angels.mlb.com.